Groton — In light of the market analysis draft for the town, Groton's new manager of economic development said he has specific ideas for the two downtowns: Mystic and the strip malls on Route 1.  

Paige Bronk envisions turning downtown Groton into mixed-use developments like those at South County Commons in South Kingstown, R.I., where developers mixed a village of stores, services and restaurants with luxury apartments and condominiums.

"Compare that to what we have," said Bronk. "It is night and day."

He said Groton must also focus on making downtown Mystic "the best it can be" in products, service, hours of operation and branding.

"We want every visitor that goes there to say, 'Wow, this place is awesome,' because when they go home, they can't get that anywhere else," he said.

Todd Brady, a Mystic developer and chairman of the Downtown Mystic Merchants Association, said, "We have to face up to reality, and the world is changing and how we shop and where we shop for what we want is changing.

"A lot of it's got to do with the mix of products and what they're offering, and how they can distinguish themselves from the big box stores and offer items that are more unique."

As the owner of Factory Square, Brady said he pays $60,000 per year for 111 parking spaces at the Mystic Museum of Art.

Then customers who eat at Margaritas Mexican Restaurant and park in the museum lot pay for parking anyway, which doesn't make much sense, he said.

"The whole parking requirement situation needs a very hard look because it is hindering retail and restaurant development in downtown Mystic," he said. "And I still maintain that if people really want to go downtown, they will find a place to park if they have to pay, or they don't have to pay."

Brady said he hopes the town's economic development plan will include changes to parking requirements for businesses in downtown Mystic. Requirements for incoming businesses differ based on the size and type of use.

Despite the concern about vacant storefronts on West Main Street threatening the vibrancy of downtown Mystic, Brady said he's seen good things happening as well: Owners of the Central Hall Block are moving forward with permits to start construction; a retail store is moving into the former Cooper Shoppe; and there's been "significant growth" in restaurants and bars.

Brady believes this could be built upon. If downtown Mystic could become a regional center for dining and similar activities, the surrounding stores would benefit, he said. Shops could adjust their hours to pull in customers.

The Mystic of old, which had a drug store and general store where people shopped for everyday items, isn't coming back, he said.

The draft market analysis of Groton released earlier this month said the town should turn its strip malls into walkable developments that combine retail and living space. The report, soon to be finalized, also speaks of the need to improve Groton's "quality of place" and ultimately mix the local and tourist economies.

Nearly 80 percent of Groton's workforce commutes from outside town and doesn't support local businesses, the report by New York-based consultant Camoin Associates said.

Picture thousands of people leaving Groton with their wallets, Bronk said.

"Follow the money," he said. "When people in Groton take their money outside of Groton to satisfy their consumer demand, we have a problem."

But he believes it's a solvable one.

"We believe that Groton downtown is a great development opportunity," he said, identifying three major strip malls on Route 1: Groton Shoppers Mart, anchored by Big Y and Ocean State Job Lot; Groton Shopping Plaza, which houses Benny's and the U.S. Post Office, and the shopping area across from Drozdyk Drive, which includes T.J. Maxx, Dollar Tree and the Goodwill Store and Donation Center.

The market analysis found "gaps" in retail and service offered in Groton, which Bronk plans to use to target potential retailers. Among them are building materials, garden equipment and supplies; electronics and appliances; health and personal care; and full-service restaurants.

"I want to go after businesses that fill these voids," Bronk said.

The draft market analysis and an accompanying zoning audit are expected to recommend specific actions Groton should take.

Bronk says he has data about what the market demands for downtown Groton. Now he needs to mix that with business incentives and make the startup business process easier, he said.

Ultimately, he hopes to convince businesses and commuters that the community has something unique to offer. 

"We want more connection other than a paycheck," he said. "Because when you have that, you recycle your money."

d.straszheim@theday.com

Twitter: @DStraszheim